Yardbarker: Pittsburgh Pirates

AccuScore Closer Report - 7/23

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:51:08 -0500

With the trade deadline looming and injuries to several players, bullpen situations remain in flux throughout baseball. Jonathan Lee takes a look at recent moves and ranks all of MLB's closers.

ISRINGHAUSEN'S DAYS IN ST. LOUIS NUMBERED?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:50:34 -0500

by Moondog, The World According to Moondog

The closer is baseball's version of the one man every manager hopes can distinguish himself among all the other members of the bullpen.

With the advent of defined roles the one that has become the most problematic for the St. Louis Cardinals this season is which pitcher can manager Tony La Russa trust to close out games.

Since arriving in St. Louis prior to the 2002 season, Jason Isringhausen has been the closer but not without many tense moments. He isn't the type of pitcher that will consistently come into the 9th and get three consecutive outs to end the game.

So far this season Isringhausen has been a complete disaster, blowing seven saves and seeing his ERA balloon to 6.15 entering Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

There were signs of Isringhausen's decline over the past two seasons, blowing 10 saves in 2006 and ultimately being placed on the DL with a hip injury. Adam Wainwright stepped into the closer role and made people forget about Isringhausen as the Cardinals would go on to win the World Series.

Be it mental or physical, Isringhausen doesn't seem to have the stuff to be a major league closer anymore. It's reached a point where Isringhausen's presence is doing this team a disservice by giving him the ball and watching him blow two, three, and four-run leads time after time.

Isringhausen's last save came on May 5, 11 days before he went on the disabled list because of his inability to get people out and a self-inflicted right hand laceration.

He had blown six of his last nine save opportunities, including four in a row when he was given the ball in the ninth this past Sunday where he promptly gave up one run on three hits to the Padres.

He's actually been worse than the numbers indicate. The four-run lead he gave up before the All-Star game against the Pirates was technically not a save situation.

Being an avid Cardinal fan and watching nearly every game they've played this season, Isringhausen is directly responsible for losing 11 games. That's a huge swing from their current record of 57-46.

Isringhausen's place on the team was enough of an issue for the pitcher to seek a meeting in La Russa's office after last Thursday's 4-3 win over the Padres.

La Russa said recently that having a defined closer is "the best scenario, but this season, you take the circumstances that have developed. We got to the point where we lost Izzy. We're trying to get him back. We're trying to win games."

If La Russa wants to win games, then he has to arrive at a definitive decision on Isringhausen. Considering the Cards' have blown a MLB-high 24 saves and Isringhausen has shown no signs of being capable of getting the job done, it may be time to end his association with the club.

Moreover, his $8 million salary is a lot of money to spend on a pitcher who can't get anybody out. A year ago Isringhausen said he would refuse to waive his no-trade clause if the club sought to trade him during a lost season. This past Friday, he allowed for the possibility. The Atlanta Braves are believed to be in search of a closer.

"It's difficult for me to say anything about that unless they put something in front of me," Isringhausen said. "So far, that hasn't happened."

Frankly, if the Cardinals can find a taker for Isringhausen, they need to jump on the opportunity to send him out of St. Louis as fast as they can.

MLB Players with dreads

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:08:10 -0500

In baseball there aren't that many players with dreads. But we found some and here is a list of them. Vladimir Guerrero OF Angels Manny Ramirez OF Red Sox Andrew Mccutchen OF Pirates Lastings Milledge OF Nationals Desmond Jennings OF Rays Ervin Santana SP Angels Brian Barton OF Cardinals

The Tide Turnsa?? Time To Praise Rooney Following Fergie's Sacrificing

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:43:12 -0500

Wayne Rooney made a positive impact in United's dull 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates last night, injecting a bit of class and excitement in the match. Earlier in the week, Rooney was on the receiving end of some harsh criticism from legend Pele, the namesake of our favourite chant for the striker. It was claimed that [...]

THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:59:32 -0500

We'll start off today's news and notes with a tribute to actress Estelle Getty, better known as Sophia Petrillo of the Golden Girls, who passed away at the age of 84.

Many of you will surely deny it, but you used to tune in every Saturday night to watch Sophia, Rose, Dorothy, and "that crazy Blanche". Remember, if you threw a party and invited everyone you knew, you would see the biggest gift would be from me, and the card attached would say, "thank you for being a friend" :

As you can see, the sports news around these parts is slow this time of year. We're leading with a Golden Girl, for crying out loud.

We could talk about Steeler camp, but that hasn't started yet. We could talk about the re-signing of Jeff Taffe, but I'm not sure how long that discussion would last. And we could discuss the first "The Legacy Of..." article, but even after several hours I spent on it last night, it's still not complete.

By default, that leaves the Pirates, who are riding a colossal two-game winning streak following an 8-2 win over the Houston Astros last night. Luckily, the Pirates brought their bats on this trip, although they only arrived in the ninth inning of Monday night's game. Home runs were provided by Ryan Doumit, Nate McLouth, and Freddy Sanchez (for the second night in a row).

Paul Maholm took care of the pitching, holding the 'Stros to one run over eight innings. Funny how the formula of pitching + hitting = victory, no?

So what else could we talk about?

--Joe Starkey wrote a very bloggish-type column that was a 40-item mission statement, "if fans owned the Steelers."

Proving that the art of list-writing isn't as easy as it sounds, Starkey used "We shall provide free beer" jokes not once, not twice, but five times. But it's worth a read.

--Here's an interesting article about the potential balancing act Stanley Druckenmiller would have to pull off if he did take control of the Steelers.

--Pittsburgh author Howard Shapiro has a children's book coming out in October about hockey, which you can find out more about on his website, www.hockeyplayerforlife.com.

The foreword is written by Keith Primeau, who probably conjures up a few memories around these parts.

--Bob Smizik pens the 55,192nd article about how bad Dave Littlefield was at his job.

--The PG had a big article about how cell phones could potentially pose health risks, as per an upcoming advisory from the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers. Fantastic!

Here's a list they provided of 10 tips to limit exposure from electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones.

--In case you missed it, there was a fight in a WNBA game last night involving LA and Detroit, who happens to be coached by former Piston Bad Boys Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn. Luckily, someone was appently taping a WNBA game on their television with a camcorder and posted it to YouTube. Ahh, technology.

Check back later this afternoon for a few items that deserve their own posts.

Rumor: Pirates' Nady; Dodgers' Kemp on Phillies' list

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:36:34 -0500

FoxSports senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal is reporting that in addition to Colorado's Matt Holliday, the Phillies have inquired about right-handed hitting outfielders Xavier Nady and Matt Kemp. Beerleaguer: These are two of the National League's top five leaders in batting average on balls in play (BABIP), which measures the number of batted balls that fall safely for a hit, not including home runs. That's normally a red flag suggesting luck is involved, but the fact, is either one of...

Potential Closers on the Move

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:42:42 -0500

If you've recently moved to the moon and just got your Internet connection working, then you surely haven't been able to keep up with all the rumors and speculation relating to current closers potentially on the move. For those who have not made the questionable decision to move far, far away, and have read so many articles on this topic that your head hurts (like apparently sabermetrics do to some people), then consider this the definitive guide. You should expect nothing less from the Generals of course.

Cooperstown Chronicles - Bill Mazeroski

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:01:47 -0500

The Cooperstown Chronicles continue with a look at Bill Mazeroski's Hall of Fame career.

United youngsters see off Pirates

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:05:23 -0500

Lee Martin netted a first-half winner for Manchester United as the Premier League champions' young stars overcame Orlando Pirates to seal a 1-0 win here on Tuesday. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson took his big guns out of the firing line for this clash [...]

NEWS AND NOTES

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:02:36 -0500

--That John Van Benschoten-Runelvys Hernandez pitching matchup wasn't quite as bad as advertised, at least by their standards. Both pitchers allowed 10 baserunners out of the 25 batters they faced, but allowed just three and two runs, respectively, in a 9-3 Pirates win over the Houston Astros.

Down 3-2 entering the 9th, the Buccos exploded for seven runs and three home runs, including an inside-the-park variety from Freddy Sanchez, giving a one-night hiatus to the "blow up the Pirates" theories that have surfaced the past week.

Tonight's matchup: LHP Paul Maholm (6-6, 4.10) vs. RHP Jack Cassel (1-0, 6.28), 8:05 p.m., Minute Maid Park. I'm sure you'll be watching.

--USA Today ranked the NFL's best quarterbacks, and Big Ben came in at #8, behind Manning/Brady, McNabb, Hasselbeck, Brees, Palmer, and Romo. And when I thought we were making progress in this department last year.

--The Steelers Super Bowl rings sold for $66,000 on eBay, but an uncorrected error was discovered....30+ years after they were produced.

--Check out this charity raffle and try to win a signed Geno Malkin hockey stick. Benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

--I somehow missed this on Sunday, but Bob Smizik said that Penguin fans who boo Marian Hossa are "knuckleheads".

--Here's some great moments in demolition derby history.

--Stealing an idea from Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno posed as a reporter at his NBC exit press conference.

Send your interesting links to mondesishouse@gmail.com for these fun little buffers between "real" posts.

How They Rated - United Beat The Pirates

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:08:40 -0500

Manchester United beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 in tonights Vodacom Challenge game in South Africa. Lee Martin was the goalscorer in a game that ended in rather drab fashion. How did our players rate? Carlos Tevez had the first best chance of the game, striking the ball early on five minutes, which nearly caught out the keeper, but [...]

Eagles And Martin - Two More For The United Scrapheap?

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:08:39 -0500

United beat Orlando Pirates this evening, with a Lee Martin goal giving us the needed 1-0 victory. This pre-season can be regarded as somewhat of a 'last chance saloon' for some of our players, who are creeping in to their 20's, have spent some time away on loan, and are looking to break in to [...]

One Big Bat = One Big Run, Yet Again....

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:32:07 -0500

New York, New York. What will they think of next. Hey folks Matt Eisenman here and im about to talk about the New York Yankees. I know some Boston Red Sox fan will probably say something and i dont blame them I would get tired of it too. Here it goes. The Yankees need one big bat to help them get one big run, hense the name of the article. What Big Bat do they need, or should i say who do they need because it cetaintly isnt a Louiville Slugger they could trade a player for ten of those. Xavier Nady the big name on the block from the Artist formally known as the Pittsburgh Pirates. Well the question who do they have to give up to get a player who is making a great name for himself. The bigger question who do they have to give up? Frankly I am tired of giving up young talent but who would they want. Give them Ian Kennedy Johnny Damon and someone else crappy. What ever we have to do to get it done that doesnt include giving away a young star. Another person they should consider is Mark Texeira. He is young has better mobility than Giambi and would be a good fit at first base and fill the bat void. He would be a good fit. To think the San Francisco Giants were thinking of trading Tim Lincecum for Matsui at the beginning of the season I don't think so anymore. Lets get this straight as a Yankee fan I am not going to settle for Richie Sexson. The man just can't hit anything anymore. If he is supposed to solve are problem Cashman has gone more insane than ever before. What to do, what to do? I really couldn't tell you. I'd rather trade younger for younger. I don't like veterans all the time they are so boring. What I think we should do is trade Bobby Abreu away. We will lose him to free agency after the year because we won't want him back so why not get some value from him. All I am saying in a very unclear way is the Yankees could be one big bat away from making yet another impresive run to make the playoffs. They have options Jason Bay, Xavier Nady, Mark Texeira, heck even Barry Bonds wouldn't hurt. Something is going to happen and it will happen soon when nobody sees it coming. They will end up trading young talent away for a 35 year old pitcher. That Brian Fuentes stuff should just stop. Quit it, the man is 32 and not getting any younger. For a reliever that is old and they don't have alot of baseball life left in them. Please anyone wishing to inquire a Brian Fuentes or Damaso Marte if thats even his name should look in the mirror and be like what am i doing. Fuentes ill give him credit he is doing great but not worth a young player who has a chance to give you more and be there for a longer time. I really do not know what is going to happen. I think it will get real interesting by the last day and very shortely. If Ray Durham is the last big thing ill be shocked. The Yankees have alot of chips to play with they just don't know how much to put in. Let's not go all in for once lets only bet 1/4 of the pile. Come on Hank it hasn't worked in a while. Just focus on free agency and stop trying to give away more than you should for someone who might be a rental. Save your money for a C.C. Sabathia or a Ben Sheets for next season much more worth it and a better investment. What do you think the Yankees should do? What do you think the Yankees will do?

Drunk Yankees Monkey Unimpressed with that Pirates Guy

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:55:19 -0500

Last week at the All Star game, a drunk Yankees fan made an ass out of himself. While that wasn't too surprising, it was rather odd that he appeared to be yelling at a player who wasn't in the game. In fact, he wasn't even at the game.

I'm guessing our drunken monkey doesn't approve of Pirates outfielder Nate McLouth taking up his time at the mid-summer classic. However, our primate is so incoherent that Nate McLouth sounds an awful lot like Brewers pitcher Seth McLung.

I can say with certainty that Seth McLung had no business playing at the All Star Game.

[As seen this weekend on The Big lead]

Overhyped: Andy Marte and John Van Benschoten

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:24:47 -0500

The following young men have been hyped as "Can't Miss Prospects", but they've obviously been overhyped and they surely are missing. The Suspects- Andy Marte and John Van Benschoten. Marte has been hyped by the Braves, Red Sox, and Indians but he's quickly falling off the map batting .198 with an ugly .594 OPS over 4 seasons. He's been linked to Edgar Renteria, Kelly Shoppach, Guillermo Mota, Coco Crisp, David Riske, and Josh Bard, but doesn't hold a candle to any of them. Van Benschoten is a former 1st round pick but has this horrific carrer line- 2-12, 8.66 era, 2.07 whip, and more walks than strikeouts...ouch! For the full article about these two flubs click on URL.